Home births in Michigan have been part of the broader trend observed across the United States, with a noticeable increase in recent years. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), there were 1,824 home births in Michigan in 2022, out of a total of 100,880 live births. This means that approximately 1.81% of all births in Michigan were home births in 2022.
Key details from the 2022 data include:
- Total Births: Michigan recorded 100,880 live births.
- Home Births: Of these, 1,824 were home births.
- Attended by Midwives: While specific numbers (165) for midwife-attended home births are not fully detailed and the numbers seem a bit off to me, it is known that midwives attend many planned home births.
Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery Birth Statistics
At Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery, Celeste and I have seen our own set of birth statistics, reflecting the growing preference for home births in Michigan.
2022 Birth Statistics:
- Total Births: 113
- Intrapartum Hospital Transfers: 8.8%
- Cesarean Rate: 3.5%
- Demises: 0%
- NICU Admissions: 0%
- Biggest Baby: 11 pounds
- Smallest Baby: 6 pounds
2023 Birth Statistics:
- Total Births: 153
- Intrapartum Hospital Transfers: 5.22%
- Cesarean Rate: 3.26%
- Demises: 0%
- NICU Admissions: 0.65% (1 baby)
- Biggest Baby: 10 pounds 9 ounces
- Smallest Baby: 6 pounds
Homebirth Statistics in the United States
Nationally, home births have also been on the rise. According to the most recent statistics from 2021, there were 51,642 home births in the United States. Given the total number of births in the U.S. was approximately 3,920,000 in 2021, this means that about 1.32% of all births in the United States were home births. Idaho is currently known to have the highest home birth rate, with 4.2% of all births occurring at home in 2022.
The trend towards home births in both Michigan and the broader United States aligns with an increased interest in personalized and natural birthing experiences, influenced in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note on 2023 Vital Statistics
As of now, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has not yet released the homebirth statistics for 2023.
For more detailed statistics and information, you can visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ vital statistics page.
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 